Alongside him are mythologized versions of the Joker, Two-Face, Ivy, and Catwoman, reimagined as spirits and deities from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
What the trailer and film are about
The trailer opens with a scene of tragedy: conquistador Hernán Cortés kills Yoalli's father — the tribal leader. The boy escapes to Tenochtitlan, where he begins his warrior's journey. His mentor — a local Alfred equivalent — helps him train and create his costume and weapons. The hero's lair is the temple of Tzinacán, the bat god, and his mission isn't just revenge, but protecting the Aztec empire from invasion.The footage also shows new versions of familiar villains: the Joker as a hysterical madman with his famous grin, Two-Face (Cortés) embodying Spanish violence with a gold coin and thirst for chaos, Catwoman becomes Jaguar Woman, and Poison Ivy transforms into Forest Ivy, a mystical guide inspired by nature cults.
What we know about the project
The animated film releases September 19 on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, and September 23 on DVD. The project is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation, Mexican studio Ánima, and the producers of "The Book of Life."Director and co-screenwriter Juan Meza-León promised to preserve the "spirit of the original heroes" while completely reimagining their origins.
In an interview with Anime News Network, he clarified: even though Yoalli comes from wealth, his journey won't be about luxury, but about class struggle, divine destiny, and loss. References to other Batman cartoons, Nolan's trilogy, and classic DC comics are also promised. Plus an R rating, violence, and 89 minutes of rich mythology.
Aztec Batman isn't the first
This isn't DC's first attempt to view their hero through a cultural lens. In 2018, "Batman Ninja" transported Bruce Wayne to samurai-era Japan. And 2025 brings the sequel — "Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League." Both films are styled like anime and play with the "isekai" concept of transporting a hero to another world.There are also Batman versions from other realities: the steampunk "Gotham by Gaslight," the vampiric "Batman & Dracula" trilogy, and the post-apocalyptic "Batman: Last Knight on Earth."
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Fan reactions
Initial responses to the trailer have been mixed. While some viewers praise the visual style, others aren't thrilled with the villains. "Looks interesting until the Batman villains show up," wrote viewer @milestrombley1466.However, one villain has won over more fans than the rest — the Joker. The shots featuring him are both terrifying and mesmerizing.
"Aztec Batman" is expected to be a vibrant addition to DC's animated lineup — and possibly set a new trend for national superhero adaptations. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered new character versions from another popular franchise — "X-Men."